Delhi has a bad fat problem rising among its High School children’s liver. Here are some ways to ebb the dangerous flab that will put your progeny at high risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver which, doctors say, can be fatal
A survey conducted recently among Class X students in Delhi found that over one-fifth have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFlD). One of the primary reasons for this is the increased consumption of junk food and little to no physical activity. There is need to create awareness about the high waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio which are the main markers for children at risk.
The NAFlD inflames the liver because of excessive fat deposits. It can lead to scarring of the liver, cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. The damage it does is akin to that caused by excessive consumption of alcohol.
Speaking about this, Dr KK Aggarwal, president, Heart Care Foundation of India, said: “lifestyle diseases are on the rise among children. This is an alarming situation as they are exposed to unhealthy habits right at that young age, including eating junk and lack of exercise. No medicine can cause NAFlD and there may be no signs of this condition worsening. It is a challenge treating children as at their age, they are bound to be influenced by their immediate environment, which starts right at home. Parents and guardians need to lead by example as this is the first step to resolving the issue.”
In non-obese children, a warning sign to watch out for is excessive central fat in the waist and abdominal region. This central obesity is often associated with ectopic fat deposits (storage of triglycerides in tissues other than adipose that is meant to store fat) in the liver.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor of IJCP, said: “The good news is that NAFlD can be reversed through lifestyle changes in the early stages. Children should be given a balanced diet and home-cooked food. All sources of empty calories such as chocolates and biscuits should be omitted from the diet. Apart from this, it is also imperative to make exercise a priority rather than an option.”
The 25th MTNl Perfect Health Mela 2018 to be organised in October this year will focus on some of these aspects concerning children. It also happens to be the silver jubilee year of the mela.
Some tips from HCFI.